President Prabowo Dismisses National Nutrition Agency Officials: 'I Will Not Allow People's Money to be Stolen'
President Prabowo Subianto has stated that the interests of the people must be the primary priority in every government decision, including the recent replacement of several high-ranking officials within the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
During a speech at the ‘Building Indonesia’s Future Generations Through Nutrition’ event held at the Sentul International Convention Centre (SICC), Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday, President Prabowo noted that the reshuffle was not an easy decision. He admitted that it was difficult to remove individuals whom he had personally appointed and trusted with significant state duties. However, the move was taken following various reports regarding deficiencies, irregularities, and indications of misappropriation within the agency.
“Clearly, replacing them was not a light matter for me. But I remember the words of my late father, Professor Soemitro (Soemitro Djojohadikusumo), who once told me, ‘Prabowo, if one day you find yourself confused or in doubt, remember, always side with your people’,” Prabowo stated via a release from the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He added that this advice served as the foundation for his decision regarding the leadership changes at the BGN. President Prabowo explained that he would refrain from commenting extensively on the ongoing cases out of respect for the legal processes currently underway, as he does not wish his statements to be perceived as an intervention in investigations conducted by law enforcement.
He asserted that the quality of leadership is a decisive factor in the success or failure of an organisation. Consequently, the government will not tolerate leaders who are incompetent, dishonest, or who abuse the trust bestowed upon them by the state.
“I do not want the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to lack respect. I do not want the people’s money to be stolen, and there will be no exceptions. I must say, it was heavy for me when I signed the order; it was heavy. These are people I appointed, people I promoted with distinction,” he emphasised.
President Prabowo also reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining government integrity and ensuring that every rupiah of public money is utilised to the greatest extent for the benefit of the community.